Sergio Aguero's Fitness Will Be Key to Man City's Season After 4-Goal Display

ETIHAD STADIUM—England

If Manchester City are to retain their Premier League title this season, Sergio Aguero’s form and fitness are likely to be key. The Argentine scored all four of City’s goals in the club's 4-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday—two wonder strikes and two penalties—to become the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, surpassing Carlos Tevez, who scored 58 in his time at the club. Aguero now has 61 in just 95 league games.

Whichever way you look at it, Aguero surely has to be considered as one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League era. He has the best minutes-to-goal ratio, having scored a goal every 108 minutes, well ahead of Thierry Henry in second, who managed one every 122 minutes.

The City man's place in the pantheon of English football greats already appears assured.

His first goal against Spurs set City on their way to another comfortable victory over the north London outfit. Nothing appeared to be on as Aguero received the ball inside the area faced by a row of defenders, but a quick touch to buy himself a yard was followed by a wonderful strike past Hugo Lloris.

He then scored two penalities—and missed one in between—before another thunderbolt wrapped up the 4-1 win. It took his tally to seven in his last three appearances against Tottenham and moved him level with Diego Costa in this season's Premier League scoring charts with nine.

"

FULL TIME: City 4-1 Spurs. Sensational Sergio bags all four as the champions see-off Tottenham in style. #cityvspurs pic.twitter.com/WcFazjipxd

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 18, 2014"

The problem City have had is that, since Aguero scored in the 5-1 win at Tottenham in January, he has rarely been 100 per cent fit for a sustained period. He’s often limped out of games and been rushed back, only to look somewhat restricted when upon his return to the side. A fully fit Aguero guarantees goals, and City need him to be at his best if they are to deal with the sizable threat caused by a new-look Chelsea side.

But he looks much fitter so far this season, and Manuel Pellegrini told reporters after the match that he feels like the striker is getting back to his very best:

"

It was not easy for him last year, when he had so many injuries, to play in this performance like he did today. ...

But this season he is working well, he made a good pre-season, and he didn't start in the first games so that he can be 100 per cent fit, and now he will demonstrate—as he did before—how he can play.

Maybe he will not score four goals each game, but he will demonstrate why everyone says he is one of the best players in the world.

"

On Friday, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino had lauded Aguero, describing him as “like Mozart” and “the best striker in the world” (via Sky Sports). Surely even he couldn’t have expected such a comprehensive display of his attacking talents just a day later. 

"

A special thanks to my teammates and City's fans. It's a pride to become  City's Max goalscorer in Premier League's history.

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) October 18, 2014"

And Pellegrini will also be thanking his goalkeeper after an impressive display. Joe Hart has his critics, but he can take huge credit for this result. His save from Roberto Soldado’s penalty was arguably the turning point in a match that had threatened to turn ugly for City. He produced a series of excellent stops besides the spot kick, and although he lacks assuredness in his area at times, there have been signs of a recovery of his form in recent weeks.

James Milner once again left the field with his reputation enhanced, with his place in Pellegrini’s starting XI becoming more and more secure with each passing week. His desire and willingness to track back are valuable assets that make City a better side and harder to beat.

But it is Aguero who, quite rightly, will take the plaudits tonight. He gives City a winning edge that could be the difference between success and failure come May.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes were obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.